Cracks have emerged in Kenya Kwanza alliance after Mumias East Member of Parliament, Benjamin Washiali, accused Kakamega Senator, Cleophas Malala, of being used by their opponents to divide the political faction.
While addressing the media on Saturday, March 18, the close ally of the Deputy President, William Ruto, stated that they were suspicious of Malala's sentiments on Musalia Mudavadi's position in Ruto's government should Kenya Kwanza win the August poll.
The MP allied to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) stated that Malala was being pushy with his demand that Mudavadi be named Ruto's running mate.
Washiali further cautioned the ANC legislator to desist from making any more demands on the matter, stating that the principals were capable of choosing the right lineup to battle it out with former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga.
"We have faith in Musalia, Moses Wetangula, and Ruto because they are the ones who decided to come together and form the alliance without being pushed by anyone. Let us allow them to sit down and decide how they want their government to be run.
"We are seeing that Malala is being used by the opposition to divide Kenya Kwanza so that we lose in the polls. Let him not go beyond what he has said," Washiali stated.
He added that they will not allow the alliance to be divided, explaining that they would rather have a share of government than lose the August 9 elections.
"Malala is presenting himself as a defender of the alliance more than other leaders from Western Kenya. Let him go slow. It is better to have a quarter of government rather than having the whole opposition," he stated.
Earlier, Malala had demanded that Ruto names Mudavadi as his running mate, explaining that UDA had taken the top seat position.
This was after Mathira MP, Rigathi Gachagua, stated that the DP's running mate will be picked from the Mt Kenya region.
Gachagua, who is considered a front runner for the position, revealed that the Musalia and Wetangula were informed of the prior arrangement before they joined Ruto's team.
"As far as I'm concerned, Ruto is a presidential candidate and the will running mate come from the mountain at an appropriate time," he stated at an interview on Citizen TV.
